Article of the Week

Have a look at the pictures below. Can you guess what article we are going to focus on is?

Its Article 14 – Freedom of thought, belief and religion.

Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights.

Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.

Here is how we can make sure that everyone at Woodlands Primary show respect for everyone’s beliefs.

• Make time and opportunities to have views listened to and valued.
• Make sure food choices are respected.
• Have time and space to pray or reflect.
• Create opportunity to celebrate special times or festivals.
• Provision to ensure a variety of uniform options are available to reflect beliefs.
• Encourage everyone to respect each other’s viewpoints.
• Make it an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

Food and Religion

Food choices are really important to some people.

Watch this video below from the BBC and its humorous exploration of food and religion.

Possible Follow up Activities

Can you…

(Early Level)

Thoughts and beliefs are usually really important to people. Draw a pictures of or write down some things you believe in strongly.

(First Level)

Why do you think religious buildings are important? Think of and draw a building that is important to you or make a sculpture of one of these buildings using things you can find around the house (old cereal boxes, empty toilet roll etc.). This could be a religious building like a church or a temple, or even a school or a library. Write a sentence or two about why this building is important to you.

(Second Level)

List as many religions as you can think of. Do you know what symbols are linked with these religions? Have a go at drawing them if you can.

or

People’s beliefs often influence the way they act and behave. Imagine  you have discovered a new planet to live on. What ideas do you have about how you would want all the people  who live there to treat each other and their planet? What would your planet look like? What would it be called?

Reflection/Pupil Voice

Try to spend a few minutes being quiet and still.  Think about the beliefs that matter most to you…

Why do you think a child should be allowed to choose their own beliefs? Why is it important that a child is supported by their family to make a decision about their faith and beliefs for themselves?

Are there ways that you can respect and support students in your school that may have different beliefs to you?

Click on the picture above to listen to ‘A Song you’ll Love To Know’.

Remember how you act can ‘make a difference’. Click on the link to listen to another assembly favourite.